Are you a front runner or a way farer?

Keen walkers are invited to be 'front runners' who will set off as the forward guard heralding Canoe's journey. Walkers who prefer a calmer pace are invited to be 'way farers' and follow Canoe as it wends its way along the Contemporary Songline. Arrive early for this year’s extreme art walk and start the day with warm up Yoga at the You Yangs (see inset) in preparation for the walk. Registration opens at 9am Friday 4 May at Big Rock, the You Yangs with the ‘Gathering of the Elders’ Ceremony from 10.30am – 11.30am.

Yoga in The Youies with Geelong City Yoga

Tim Oddie (Director of Geelong City Yoga) has had many years experience providing the physical and mental preparation required of elite athletes. Amongst his client list over the years have been members of the Geelong Cats leadership team – who made GCY central to their training regime over the past 11 seasons.

You do not need previous yoga experience to take part in Yoga at the Youies, and whether you intend walking one segment or the whole 80km, this session will be of great benefit. As well as giving you the perfect start to the day, Tim will give you some invaluable tips for the journey ahead that will help keep you physically strong, emotionally resilient, and spiritually connected to the ground you walk upon.

We encourage walkers to register in advance to enable more accurate planning for walkers’ safety and amenities. The walk will commence at 12noon after the Ceremony with ‘Canoe’ leading the way.

Walkers are not required to walk at ‘Canoe’ pace however it is important to know that Songline Stations opening and closing times and traffic management arrangements are aligned with the movement of the ‘Canoe’ which will pause at each Songline Station for 15 minutes. To accommodate walkers of varying paces, Songline Stations will open one hour before the arrival of Canoe and close one hour after Canoe’s departure. If you choose to walk a significant way behind or ahead of Canoe, please know that services and support may not be available to you, and be especially alert to vehicle traffic while crossing roadway. You can find details of timelines and map here.

Photographer: Dean Walters

All walkers will be provided with a Survival Guide. This document provides important information for all walkers no matter how fast or slow you walk. It is essential to walk at a pace that suits you and take rests regularly.

You can also join our M~M2018 Get Fit Walking Program. The City of Greater Geelong’s Swim Sport and Leisure Department have created an 8 week walking program especially for you to get motivated and moving toward Friday 4 May and Saturday 5 May, 2018 helping you to choose your challenge and choose your distance.